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SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES; “HIGH-ROLLER HUNTER” BROUGHT TO JUSTICE AFTER ‘NIGHT OF HELL’ IN BLACKWATER – MAIN STREET LITTERED WITH BODIES!
By Jebediah Sawyer Nixon (Freelancer)
A night of what could only delineate every mother’s worst nightmare!
Violence and chaos erupted throughout the city of Blackwater on the evening of Wednesday, August 5th, 1898, when Silvia Conley, a.k.a. the “High-Roller Hunter” and leader of the Conley Gang, rolled into town. What started the night with a failed assassination attempt on Blackwater Mayor Nate Johns ended with not just her death but that of 18 lawmen and marshals, as well as the capture of her fellow outlaw, Eirrean Trottier.
Together Conley and Trottier are responsible for the death of countless lawmen and residents of Lemoyne, New Hanover, and West Elizabeth over the past two years, as well as the theft of tens of thousands of dollars from expensive and lavish boat parties along the Lannahechee River.
Why resurface tonight? Why Blackwater? Good question!
News has been traveling far and wide for weeks about the Blackwater Bank Poker Event – taking place at the Blackwater Saloon – including the scheduled appearance of the city’s Mayor, Nate Johns. All these factors played into the reason for the city’s tripled amount of law enforcement, not to mention the extra security hired by the Saloon.
After years of operating out of Lemoyne, Ambarino, and New Hanover, and having been notorious for stopping over popular events with extremely wealthy patrons and guests (a.k.a. “high-rollers”) to help fund their criminal endeavors, Silvia Conley arrived in Blackwater at a quarter-to-six that evening.
According to local stable owner B.R. Shelton, only one rider arrived with Conley, whom he didn’t recognize. One of Shelton’s stable-boys identified her companion as none other than Trottier, whom together they stopped to hitch their horses on the south side of the stables and oddly enough, paid double the usual fee.
Other reputable sources indicated that once on foot, the two outlaws split up with Trottier taking Wankhanknee Dr. east to Sisika Ave, where she then used an oil lantern to light a wooden boat on fire to cause a scene for the police and potentially open a hole for the would-be assassin to make her move on the Saloon. Using the distraction at the Docks, Conley was able to scale the back of the Saloon and climb through the window of the upstairs room undetected. Unfortunately for her, the advantage was lost when she exited the room.
Before she could get a kill-shot off on the Mayor – who was only feet away at the Blackjack table – two officers standing guard against the wall tackled Conley through the railing and off the second story entirely, landing on the first floor of the Saloon in front of the doors.
Witnesses say Conley scrambled “faster than a rat in a trap” to get up and out the back door of the Saloon when the chaos erupted from there in full. It didn’t take long for law enforcement to converge on Conley’s location as she ran down Wapiti Ave. and took cover behind the Silver Skillet Café, eventually forcing the outlaw up on the roof where she successfully held out, murdering at least half-a-dozen officers in the process.
It wasn’t long before the mounted officers responding fire at the docks were changing course to respond to the chaos uptown and engaged with the outlaw’s full tilt. Multiple mounted lawmen positioned throughout Main St. reported seeing Conley coming in and out of view atop the Grand firing shots and taking cover during this time. Eventually, they saw the fugitive reappear from an alleyway on the side of the Grand, engaging in physical battles with officers on the sidewalk.
“It was plain down awful,” said U.S. Marshal Travis Wiccum, who was on horseback during this time, “We wanted to stop her but shooting at her meant killing three of our own – all of which had been bested by a she-devil with a blade.”
Just when officers were about to re-engage Conley outside of the Grand, her only support, Trottier, appeared on the northern end of Main St., firing both her revolvers at all the mounted law while her boss made a run for cover further up the road. Together, they posted up on different sides of the street while taking massive amounts of gunfire from the lawmen approaching them.
Reportedly, they held out for twenty minutes before Trottier made a final stand for herself, once again allowing her boss time to escape towards the Docks.
For Conley, however, the police had already begun heading her direction on Sisika Ave. forcing her to improvise and run up the gallows, climbing onto the roofs and hopping from one building to the other all the while dodging bullets from every direction until she finally made it atop the General Store. Conley then was able to see for herself as officers took down Trottier on the northern end of Main St. and captured her without killing her, just as the eerie fog from Flat Iron Lake rolled into the dark streets.
Down below, the Blackwater Police Department was evacuating whoever hadn’t already run away from the madness within the city as more U.S. Marshals and mounted squads of troopers arrived in town from the north and southwest roads.
At 9:46 PM, I stood on the scene at the corner of Main St. and Van Horn St., just as the evening’s dance between madness and chaos reached its peak. The shouts and yells from officers on every end of the street but unseen through the dense fog; numerous law mounts without their riders running wild into the night; bodies of the dead and injured scattered up and down Main St. like piles of horse crap – all this overshadowed by the familiar sound of an arrow hitting its target to my right. My attention turned as I saw an officer’s now lifeless body fall from the wooden stairs leading up behind the General Store to the sidewalk.
Not a moment later and I saw her.
Silvia Conley herself, wielding her infamous, blood-stained bow.
She looked over at me through the fog, standing just down the sidewalk from where she stood and, on my life, I swear, she gave me a nod before taking off into the darkness, heading north again on Main St.
I stood there for a moment clutching my camera kit, breathless, mentally thanking the good Lord for many things. One of them in particular – now anyway – was dry britches as danger slowly disappeared into the mist of the night.
As the Sheriff tells the tale; after reaching Tallulah Place, Conley was caught out in the open since lawmen were swarming the field and docks for her but as soon as she was spotted, they all began to open fire. Conley had no choice but to flee, running through the lot behind the café and quickly made her way up onto the Grand, where she held out for a half-hour engaged in shootouts with officers an all sides of the building.
Reports indicate she had already been running low on ammo when she had been perched above the General Store, giving credence to the theory that she was almost empty at this point.
By 10:15 PM, officers had positioned themselves tactically on the buildings opposite the Grand on Main St, as well as covered every possible exit from the roof itself. However, the law’s ‘ace-in-the-hole’ was U.S. Marshal and former Army sniper, Sgt. Clark Rogers.
Rogers saw the endless bloodshed occurring throughout the city and moved to position himself inside one of the bedrooms on the top floor of the Blackwater Hotel. Being patient and using his army-issued Bolt Action Rifle, Rogers waited until he had his shot and put a bullet through Conley’s left shoulder.
Then, like a hunter watching a deer flail about in its final moments, officers saw Silvia Conley drop her Lancaster, stumbled two roofs south where she stood near the edge of the roof, looking down on the street as she bled out.
The Saloon barkeep on shift that day, Aldous Jacobs, said the sound of the thirty or more officers cocking their guns, all aimed at the roof of the building he stood inside would be something he wouldn’t ever forget. Little did he know, without any of the officers firing a single bullet, Silvia Conley would collapse off the roof of the Saloon, dying in a pool of her blood on the sidewalk.
An initial assessment of the damage, both to life and property, includes 18 dead lawmen, 3 of which were stabbed. There were 14 injured lawmen with injuries ranging from bullet wounds, bludgeoning, arrow wounds, stab wounds, and even fire damage. Property damages include bullet damage to almost every property on the north side of Main St., as well as intensive property damage to the Blackwater Saloon and Docks. Luckily, no physical damage had been done to Mayor Johns as he was evacuated swiftly from the scene of the crimes at the beginning of the evening, whether the assailants were aware of that or not is still unsure.
Over four separate carriages carrying the wounded were dispatched following Conley’s death to save the least afflicted. Space became available at the worker’s camp for those in critical condition.
Eirrean Trottier is currently in process of being charged for the collection of crimes committed during said criminal incident and now sits at the Blackwater Jail pending charges.
Ms. Trottier awaits further U.S. Marshal protection as locals and lawmen have reported sightings of the remainder of the Conley Gang hiding out near Quaker’s Cove. While just a tip, all rumors are expected to be taken seriously and with due diligence. All residents, please be advised to be extra cautious in the weeks following this tragedy.
Federal agents descend upon New Austin
By Wylie Frey
Following an incident where wanted bounty hunter and alleged masked vigilante Nathaniel Cross killed two federal agents and injured several others, the federal government has come down in force to New Austin. Federal agents from multiple bureaus have joined the hunt for Cross in New Austin, despite the most recent reports indicating that he fled the state into West Elizabeth. The federal agent leading the charge, a man named Eslworth C. Dyer, said that the New Austin operation is meant to ensure Cross did not retreat to familiar territory. “Nathaniel Cross is a dangerous man, known to have taken out entire gangs of gunfighters by his lonesome,” said Special Agent Dyer, “we are taking his capture very seriously.” When asked to clarify if that meant they had absolute proof that Cross was in fact the Grey Cowboy and rather the gunfighteres he mentioned were outlaws, Special Agent Dyer replied, “Cross is a killer of men, that’s why he was successful as a bounty hunter and now that he has chosen to ignore the legal system and do what he wants, he cannot be trusted.”
Local law enforcement have not been cooperative. In Armadillo, Sheriff Palmer has cited a lack of resources on the reason Armadillo lawmen cannot assist. Though that same lack of resources means they cannot stop the federal agents either. In Tumbleweed, federal agents have been asked to leave and then arrested by Sheriff Freeman and his deputies. Special Agent Dyer has said local law enforcement must cooperate, however, Sheriff Freeman sees it differently. “If folks ask someone to get off their property and they don’t, well then it’s our job to remove that someone, even if they have a fancy federal badge,” said Freeman. Federal agents have had a more difficult time at Thieves’ Landing, where no law enforcement exist, but where several trigger happy outlaws call home. “We’ve been shot at more than once,” admitted Special Agent, before adding, “so we have back up coming.” The New Austin legislature has passed a resolution rebuking the federal government’s “invasion” into the state.
Massacre at O’Creagh’s Run
By Jane Duran
After several folks came into Van Horn complaining about being ambushed and nearly killed near O’Creagh’s Run, a posse was rounded up to deal with it. A few talented gunslingers volunteered for the task. The posse was faced with the possibility of searching through the dense forest of the Grizzlies, but opted for a more creative solution. A few of the posse members left their long guns at home, taking only pistols and riding alone to look like an easy target. After nearly an hour, one of the bait riders saw a woman on the road with a dead horse. The rider offered her assistance, which sprung the trap.
As the ambushers rushed in, the bait rider pulled out her pistol and fired on the “woman in need,” who at this point had drawn a gun of her own. The other ambushers closed in on the bait rider, however, the rest of the posse was nearby and rode to the rescue. The ambushers, now caught in an ambush, were caught off guard and decimated. “Not a single one of them made it out alive,” said one of the posse members, “chased one down myself and put a bullet in his head.” Despite the successful operation, days later ambushes were again being reported in the area.
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Blackwater resident complains about cowpokes taking his beer
By Odell Clifton
The Blackwater Police Department has issued a warning to cowpokes: do not take other people’s private property. The warning comes as a result of the several complaints a resident made about cowpokes riding up to their home and stealing their beer. “The resident in question just wants his privacy,” said a Blackwater Policeman, “and he wants folks to stay off his property.” Other residents have suggested that the man keep his beer inside, but he insists that it should not matter where his beer is placed. “I keep beer stocked outside so I can have me a drink while sitting out there,” the man said, asking to keep his name out of the story, “it’s not an invitation to strangers to drink as much as they want.” Police Chief Oswald Dunbar said that unless someone is caught in the act, there is little they can do but issue a warning. “We have to catch them in the act to arrest them, otherwise, there ain’t much we can do,” Chief Dunbar admitted.
Sisika Avenue Blocked for Three Hours Due to Girl Petting Dog
By Jebediah Sawyer Nixon (Freelancer)
Thursday afternoon, starting at 1:49 PM, Sisika Avenue became blocked from both the northern and the southern ends of the road when thanks to one kind female, wagons became unable to pass one another on the road. Rocko, dog of the Eldridge the Butcher, tends to spend his afternoons out front the Meat Shop, usually chewing on a bone given to him by one of the workers or barking at some of the seagulls on the water. Despite being a lighthearted act, the Blackwater tourist inadvertently halted traffic on one of the busiest roads in town for well over three hours, causing problems through the entire area.
Another reminder to stay aware of our surroundings for the safety and well-being of others!
Man arrested after admitting to robbing and killing another man
By Donna Deshner
A man walked into the Valentine saloon with a peculiar story to tell. Though it was not the story itself that was peculiar so much as the fact that the story included an admission to murder. The story started with a meeting. The storyteller said they came across a man selling a treasure map. The man claimed to be tired of searching and offered the map for a $5. The storyteller said he happily paid the price and then had a regret of sorts, “I pulled out my gun and shot him in the back, killed him dead.” Saloon patrons gasped at the admission and then yelled in protest when the storyteller admitted to looting the dead body to get his money back. “Only my money was gone,” the storyteller said, “all I found was 11 cents!” The story was brought to an end by a Valentine deputy who happened to be having a meal at the saloon. “Alright, I’ve heard enough,” the deputy said as he arrested the man. He was released the next day when the victim’s body could not be found.
Missing Glove Opens Questions about Women’s Clothing
By Sofia Kathleen Fairfax (Lead Correspondent)
A lady in Saint-Denis ordered a pair of velvet opera gloves, and they haven’t yet arrived after months of waiting and delays. This has led to a discussion among the upper class, can a woman truly dress like one in the Five States?
It’s a strange question; the average cowpoke obviously doesn’t care about high fashion; why would they? But in high society, we women like to dress to impress. We aren’t forced to look like this; at least that’s what we tell ourselves. Usually, we just want it, and a long sultry elbow-length glove fits that image. But such clothing is so hard to come by. It’s not like nobody in Saint-Denis dresses like this; a couple of notable women like the famous Miss Robin Koninsky are well known for owning a lovely pair of gloves. But the average person just can’t seem to find such clothing; it’s never available.
Perhaps there has been production trouble, or maybe whoever designs such attire doesn’t see a market so far out west. Well, if that’s the case, I think someone is losing out on a good market. Sure the average cattle driver won’t buy expensive gloves or dresses or what have you, but their wives probably will at some point!
Woman attacked by alligator after toying with it
By Emeline Vickroy
Witness reported that a woman was nearly killed by an alligator after provoking it. According to the witnesses she used a fishing pole to tease the alligator. “I saw that ‘gator try to get the bait over and over and she just kept lifting it up, denying him his snack,” said a witness. The alligator appeared to get frustrated and then suddenly attacked. “The thing about ‘gators is that they are much faster than most people realize, and she learned it real quick,” the witness explained. The alligator managed to grab the woman’s foot. To her credit, she did not just go down. Witnesses said she was able to free herself and then, tossing her fishing pole at the alligator fled to her awaiting horse. Though the woman survived, she was not identified and so we could not interview her for this article. Her motivation for teasing the alligator will remain unknown.
Lost Spanish Expedition Still Looms in Memory
By Sofia Kathleen Fairfax (Lead Correspondent)
We like to think we were the first settlers in this land. We also like to tell ourselves lots of lies. The local native tribes were here long before modern-day Americans walked the Earth, but there were also those who explored the Five States who weren’t born here.
Roughly 500 years ago, an expedition of Spanish explorers traveled across the now conquered lands of Mexico. They didn’t find anything special among the ruins of the Aztecs, so they ventured further north. Perhaps it was rumors of an advanced civilization on what is now the Great Plains, or a lost city of gold in the mountains. We don’t know why they came here; history didn’t even record their names. All we know is that they arrived in these lands, and never returned home to the Spanish Empire.
Many attempts have been made to find this lost expedition in the Five States; all have failed. The reason for their demise is hotly debated. Perhaps they were slaughtered by the ancestors of the Wapiti, or they ran out of food. Maybe they got stuck on a mountain; the most common legend is that they died near the summit of Mount Hagen. Whatever the case, they passed from this life into legend, a name forgotten, a deed remembered.
Rugged Riders officially disbanded
By Frederick Vannesse
Senator Thaddeus Waxman oversaw the official disbanding of his Rugged Riders cavalry division. The division was celebrated for its heroics during the Spanish-American War, often cited as the force that turned the tide of battle. The Rugged Riders was most well known for the Battle of San Juan Hill, where Waxman and his cavalry division routed Spanish forces, securing victory for the United States. It was that battle that many believed put last nail in the coffin that was the Spanish military force. Senator Waxman, who previously held the rank of Colonel, opted to temporarily leave his position in the Senate to form the Rugged Riders. It seemed an odd, but patriotic decision to many, who said that Senator Waxman had nothing left to prove and could serve his country safely from the the Senate. Many have noted, however, that Waxman went from relative unknown to national hero as a result of his efforts. Many say he is poised to run for the Presidency, hinting that it was not just patriotism that guided Waxman’s decision. Whatever his motive and whatever the future holds, the Rugged Riders were instrumental in securing a U.S. victory and deserve to be celebrated as they disband and head back into civilian life.
New Civil Code goes into effect in Japan, officially ending the feudal system in the island nation
By Ivy Seager
In recent years, Japan has found itself on the disadvantaged side of several treaties, an insult for the proud nation. Begining in 1890, the Japanese government worked on overahauling the nation’s legal system and modernizing it, hoping it would enable them to renegotiate treaties they found to be humiliating. However, their first attempt left many Japanese citizens unhappy, believing the modern code forsook Japan’s own culture to make it more “Western.” The code was continually revised, blending elements of English law, French law, and Japanese culture with a framework created by the German Civil Code. Debate continued, with many groups thinking the blending was too favorable toward Western sensibilities, or that outdated cultural norms were given too much privilege. After two years of debate, the current Civil Code that was adopted in 1896 will finally go into effect. The Japanese government has promised its citizens that the Code is in noway “written in stone” and will be amended as necessary, to account both for future modernizations as well as the culture of the past.
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